Ah, the holidays. There's family time galore, which is probably why box office profits skyrocket. Before you head to the movies, consult our handy guide to find a flick that's right for your crew.

Ah, the holidays. There's family time galore, which is probably why box office profits skyrocket. Consult our handy guide to find a flick that's right for your crew.

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Hyde Park on Hudson

Hyde Park on Hudson

Remember when the King and Queen visited FDR at his home in upstate New York? That's okay, your grandparents (or great-grandparents) do. This biopic showcases some quality culture clashing along with the president's affair with his distant cousin. This film, which stars Bill Murray as the famed president, is probably best for history buffs, people who were alive at that time and want to relive the event, and vintage SNL fans.

In theaters December 7
Rated R

Nicola Dove/Focus Features

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Peter Jackson journeys back to Middle Earth for the prequel to J.R.R. Tolkien's famous Lord of the Rings saga. The film, which is the first in a trilogy, follows the titular Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), and a band of dwarves on an epic journey to reclaim the lost kingdom of Erebor. For film and technology buffs — or anyone who wants to whip out some fancy facts — the CGI-rich film was shot in RealD-3D and IMAX 3D at 48 frames per second (versus the usual 24) which means it's so lifelike, it feels like you're on the quest, too.

Hyde Park on Hudson

Remember when the King and Queen visited FDR at his home in upstate New York? That's okay, your grandparents (or great-grandparents) do. This biopic showcases some quality culture clashing along with the president's affair with his distant cousin. This film, which stars Bill Murray as the famed president, is probably best for history buffs, people who were alive at that time and want to relive the event, and vintage SNL fans.

In theaters December 7
Rated R

Nicola Dove/Focus Features

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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Peter Jackson journeys back to Middle Earth for the prequel to J.R.R. Tolkien's famous Lord of the Rings saga. The film, which is the first in a trilogy, follows the titular Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), and a band of dwarves on an epic journey to reclaim the lost kingdom of Erebor. For film and technology buffs — or anyone who wants to whip out some fancy facts — the CGI-rich film was shot in RealD-3D and IMAX 3D at 48 frames per second (versus the usual 24) which means it's so lifelike, it feels like you're on the quest, too.

In theaters December 14Rated PG-13

Warner Bros.

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Monsters, Inc. 3D

Call the Child Detection Agency, there is a 23-19 in progress. Mike, Sully, and Boo are returning to theaters in 3D to remind us about the importance of children's laughter — and filing your paperwork. They'll also be back on the big screen in 2013 in Monster's University.

In theaters December 19Rated G

Disney/Pixar

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Amour

While this French film is already racking up awards left and right, it's not for anyone uncomfortable with confronting mortality and its impact on love and relationships. Still, amidst all the darkness, the movie strikes lovely, poignant truths about what it means to love someone for as long as you both shall live.

In theaters December 19Rated PG-13

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Zero Dark Thirty

Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal, the Academy Award-winning director and writer of The Hurt Locker, return with a fact-based chronicle of the global hunt for Osama bin Laden led by elite intelligence and military operatives. Again, heavy subject matter, but the intense and informative film will be a major contender come awards season.

In theaters December 19Rated R

Jonathan Olley/Columbia Pictures

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Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away

Acting as a "best of the best" compilation, this 3D treat for the eyes brings together acts from seven live Cirque du Soleil shows to tell the story of two young people journeying through magical, mystical worlds to find one another. You'll be amazed as you soar through the air with Cirque performers, and after seeing this movie, your kids will probably want to exchange their presents for trapeze lessons.

In theaters December 21Not yet rated.

Mark Fellman/Paramount Pictures

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Jack Reacher

If your 2011 holiday movie attendance included Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, this one's is for you. Tom Cruise stars as the popular hero of Lee Child's best-selling detective thrillers. Jack Reacher is a former military cop turned vagabond defender of justice (well, his own personal moral code) with no allegiances, no baggage, and no personal ties. When he's brought on to investigate a series of sniper killings, it's go time for action.

In theaters December 21PG-13

Karen Ballard/Paramount Pictures

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This Is 40

Now being billed as the "sort-of sequel to Knocked Up," This Is 40 revisits Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd's Debbie and Pete as they deal with aging and their marriage. Expect a matured and sincerely personal version of writer-director-producer Judd Apatow's usual man-child shtick.

In theaters December 21Rated R

Courtesy of Universal Pictures

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On the Road

The Beat Generation (of which your family might have a few members) comes to life in the first-ever adaptation of Jack Keroac's seminal classic. Kristen Stewart plays a teenage bride, but that's where any Twilight similarities end. The actress has several nude scenes, so this is not a movie for younger fans of Bella Swan.

In theaters December 21Rated R

Courtesy of MK2

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Parental Guidance

Billy Crystal and Bette Midler star as old-school grandparents who clash with their 21st-century grandchildren when the kids' type-A parents are forced to leave them in charge for the weekend. Cross-generational confusion and hijinks ensue in a silly, comedic romp the whole family will enjoy.